Research topics
Discover the diversity of research topics investigated in our laboratories.
Research laboratories
Explore the research laboratories directed by our faculty, and learn how to get involved.
Programs, centers, and institutes
Learn more about interdisciplinary research and learning opportunities.
Research groups
Faculty research news
Ece Demir-Lira investigates why some children thrive and others fall behind
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Ece Demir-Lira studies how children’s brains, environments, and relationships shape learning, with the goal of better understanding why children follow different developmental and academic paths.
Preschool teacher turned researcher: Isaac Petersen's quest to understand childhood behavior problems
Friday, August 28, 2026
CLAS researcher Isaac Petersen draws on his experience as a preschool teacher to better understand children's behavioral issues and improve early prevention efforts.
UI researchers reveal deeper workings of brain’s information hub
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
In a new study, CLAS researchers demonstrate how the frontoparietal cortex handles uncertainty in decision-making and organizes and coordinates responses in the brain and body.
11 UI students awarded Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship to intern abroad
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Undergraduate students participate in internships abroad in summer 2026, thanks to support from the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship. The fund was established by the late Linda Baker (BA English ’68) in memory of her former mentor, author and child behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Magid.
How three Iowa scientists find inspiration in the natural world
Thursday, August 6, 2026
CLAS researchers Christopher Brochu and Ed Wasserman share how birds and other creatures have unlocked discoveries in their fields.
4 University of Iowa students awarded Leona Zaharis Scholarship to study abroad
Monday, August 3, 2026
Four University of Iowa students have been awarded the Leona Zaharis Scholarship to support their study abroad experiences in summer and fall 2026.
UI alumna Brenda Gao awarded Fulbright to teach English in Taiwan
Monday, July 27, 2026
Brenda Gao (BS psychology ’25) has received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Taiwan for the 2026–27 academic year.
Exercise triggers memory-related brain 'ripples' in humans, CLAS researchers report
Monday, June 29, 2026
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences-led study captures how a single bout of exercise activates neural rhythms tied to learning and recall
At the ‘edge of chaos,’ pigeons keep their options open
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Researchers in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences found that pigeons balance repetition and exploration, operating at the “edge of chaos,” offering new insight into the mechanisms behind human creativity, adaptability, and decision-making.
Psychological and Brain Sciences student DeAndre Steger recognized at Finkbine Dinner
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
DeAndre Steger, a student in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, was recognized at the Finkbine Dinner for his academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to research and student engagement.